Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Asian American Advisory Council met Feb. 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Present: Sebastian Emmanuel; Nancy Rodriguez; Jose Thomas; Michael Chan; Suk M. Wong
Excused: Stany D’Souza; Margaret S. Smith; Ryan Unabia; Benny Kuriakose; Santhosh Kurian; Linson Thomas; Saju Philip; Bino Simon; Jose Chacko; Jophia P. George; Michelle L. Buckle; Khushbu S. Dalal
Kara Hamilton: Associate Deputy Director, External Communications and Advisory Groups
Ada Tong: Chief of Asian American Services and Director’s Liaison Guests: Joseph Antony; Sarah Viernum; Anetra D. Rodgers
WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER
Sebastian Emmanuel, Chairperson called meeting to order and welcomed everyone. OLD BUSINESS:
Minutes (8-24-22; 9-28-22; 11-16-22; 12-14-22; 1-25-23) (The 10-26-22 meeting was cancelled.) Tabled. No quorum.
Asian American Star, Issue 3, Feb 2023 (Nancy Rodriguez, Star Newsletter Chairperson)
Nancy Rodriguez received the updated Asian American calendar of events from Ada Tong. Professional Development event article was not yet received from Margaret S. Smith. Nancy Rodriguez has not received an ICWA summary from Ryann Unabia. Ada Tong stated that she will submit the articles to DCFS Communications after receiving all articles.
Recruitment of New Council Members, 4 of 21 (Stany D’Souza, Recruitment Chairperson)
Joseph Antony introduced himself. He is an Adoption Worker in Elgin, Illinois. Joseph has provided his completed nomination form. There was no quorum for a vote. Sara Viernum introduced herself. Sarah is employed as a Supervisor of Integrated Assessment Screener. Anetra D. Rogers introduced herself. She is employed as a DCFS Community Partner Services Specialist to strengthen the relationship with the community. Anetra D. Rodgers works closely with Recruitment and DEI
2023 Family Institute Day Planning (Nancy Rodriguez, Chairperson)
The event is scheduled for 6-2-2023. Loyola University is collaborating with AAAC. There is zero cost for the venue. Loyola staff recommended the Water Tower site. There are no Keynote Speaker ideas yet. Michael Chan volunteered to lead the Keynote Speaker committee. Ada Tong agreed to invite DCFS Director Smith once the venue date is firmly confirmed. Ada Tong will also invite VIPs. Ada Tong and Sebastian Emmanuel will work together on the invite letter for the VIPs. Michael Chan is leading the Food Committee and is hopeful that it will be allowed to bring in catered food from the outside to Loyola University on 6-2-23. Emcee is Linson Thomas. Back-up Emcee is Jophia George. Sebastian Emmanuel and Nancy Rodriguez are working to obtain India dance group for the cultural segment of our event on 6-2-23. Nancy Rodriguez invited the Asian American Chamber of Commerce Executive Director to conduct a workshop. Nancy Rodriguez has the completed workshop form. Sebastian Emmanuel has a workshop presenter for the Asian American Parenting and Culture workshop. More AAAC committee member volunteers are needed for this event.
Professional Development and Innovation Event Feedback (Margaret Smith, Chairperson) Tabled.
Updates from the Chief of Asian American Services (Ada Tong)
There have been 2 Asian American new hires, one in region 1 and 1 in region 10. There is a total of 70 Asian American DCFS employees. Ada Tong has a list of DCFS Asian American staff. Ada Tong stated that Yeni Rojas, LAC Chair made attempts to reach Chairs of Asian American Advisory Council and African American Advisory Council in relations to the DCFS Joint Advisory Council meeting. There are no further updates on the DCFS Joint Advisory Council meeting. There is anticipation of 4 new sites for the Family Advocacy Center. Ada Tong is advocating for the new opening of the Family Advocacy Center in Chinatown.
Officers Nominations and Elections (Stany D’Souza, Chairperson)
Tabled.
2023 Ethics and Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Training to be completed between January 1, 2023 and July 31, 2023
Sebastian Emmanuel stated that these two trainings need to be completed on time.
NEW BUSINESS
Next Regularly Scheduled Monthly Meeting is 3-22-2023
Any other matter
None
Meeting Adjourned.
https://dcfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dcfs/documents/about-us/impact-public-policy/documents/asian/asiancouncil-minutes-022223.pdf
Alerts Sign-up